Giants lead Tigers 2-0 in World Series

STAR PERFORMANCE:The exciting encounter also featured Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, who took to the field for a rendition of ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’

AP, SAN FRANCISCO

However, even if there was replay review, it would not have helped the Tigers. TV replays showed Iassogna, working his first plate job in a World Series, got it right.

There was no dispute that Fister somehow avoided a serious injury moments later.

With two outs in the Giants second, Blanco lined a shot up the middle that hit Fister on the right side of the head and deflected on the fly to shallow center field.

Fister showed no visible effect from the blow — in fact, some in the crowd wondered whether the ball perhaps glanced off his glove because Fister stayed on his feet. Only when fans saw replays did groans echo around the ballpark.

Leyland, pitching coach Jeff Jones and a trainer went to the mound, and Fister insisted on staying in the game. He walked the next batter to load the bases, but retired Bumgarner on a popup, starting a streak of 12 straight hitters set down by Fister.